Amsterdam Travel: Old World Charm Meets Modern Day Energy

While it is well-known for its taboo tourist attractions, Amsterdam boasts so much more than cheap thrills. Think: romantic canals, vast flower fields, immaculate old-world gardens and museums steeped in Dutch history. I recently joined The Giant on his work trip in Germany sans kids, and we tagged on a few extra days in Amsterdam–a city which pleasantly surprised me with its old world charm but modern day hustle and bustle. (Hey Michael, can we move here, pretty please?) In every city we’ve traveled to, we’ve done a professional shoot to document our time, and this one by Chymo from Chymo & More Photography is nothing less than stellar. She is a film photographer with a fine art aesthetic–perfect for capturing the moody romance that is Amsterdam.

People think I’m funny because I’m loud and blunt. But really, my better half is the one who will put you to tears. He’s quick witted, appropriately funny, and also very, very romantic in his own way even though I give him a hard time about not being passionate (reverse psychology, ya know). Chymo captured us perfectly–so many of these special moments were not posed, it was just the two of us connecting as we used to before kids.

In the heart of Amsterdam’s Canal District lies Museum Van Loon, a wonderful house that was designed in the late 1600s by a Dutch architect named Adriaen Dortsman. In the cozy rooms, you will find portraits, perfectly preserved furniture, fine silverware and porcelain hailing from various centuries. I’m just in love with the colorful wallpaper prints in each room. Afterward, we roamed a bit in the lovely garden behind the house, followed by a little city walking.

The highlight of our trip for me was visiting the tulip fields of Keukenhof. It’s been on my bucket list for ages, and now I can say I’ve done it with my love! Keukenhof is a spring park open for approximately eight weeks that showcases 7 million spring-flowering bulbs. Rows and rows and rows of tulips as far as the eye could see–I’m in love! It was perfect for twirling in my new Bliss Tullemini skirt and lace top.

Scroll through and take a peek at our time in Amsterdam and let me know… would you go visit?